The Saints have agreed to a one-year deal with veteran free agent safety Pierson Prioleau, who will likely compete for a job as a backup and special teams contributor.

Prioleau, 31, is clearly a favorite of new Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. He has spent a total of seven seasons playing under Williams - last year with the Jacksonville Jaguars, with the Washington Redskins from 2005-2007, and with the Buffalo Bills from 2001-2003.

Prioleau played in all 16 games last year in Jacksonville with one start, recording 26 tackles and one pass defense. The 5-11, 188-pounder began his career in San Francisco in 1999, where he emerged as a part-time starter. He had his most productive season in Buffalo in 2002, starting all 16 games and recording 89 tackles.

The Saints needed depth at the safety position to join Darren Sharper, Roman Harper, Kevin Kaesviharn and Chris Reis. They'd still like to get younger in the draft, though, and Coach Sean Payton said Wednesday that the free safety spot is still the Saints' greatest area of need.